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Monday, 25 August 2014

Scientists say Himalayan herb is modern-day sanjeevani

In the high, hostile peaks of the Himalayas where sustaining life is
a challenge in itself, scientists say they have found a “wonder herb”
that can regulate the immune system, help adapt to the mountain
environment and, above all, protect from radioactivity.

Rhodiola, a herb found in the cold and highland climate, has led the
country’s leading scientists to wonder if it is the end to the quest for
sanjeevani, the mythical herb that gave renewed life to Ram’s brother
Lakshman in the epic Ramayana.

Locally called ‘Solo’ in Ladakh, the
qualities of Rhodiola were largely unknown so far. The leafy parts of
the plant were used as vegetable by locals. However, research by the
Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) is
exploring the therapeutic values of the herb.

“Rhodiola is a
wonder plant that has immunomodulatory [enhancing immune], adaptogenic
[adapting to difficult climatic condition] and radio-protecting
abilities due to presence of secondary metabolites and phytoactive
compounds unique to the plant,” R.B. Srivastava, Director, DIHAR, told
IANS.

Mr. Srivastava said the herb can mitigate the effects of
gamma radiation used in bombs in biochemical warfare. The Leh-based lab
of the DRDO, the world’s highest agro-animal research laboratory, has
been studying this wonder plant for more than a decade. “While its
adaptogenic qualities can help the soldiers in adjusting to the low
pressure, low oxygen environment, the plant has also been found to have
anti-depressant and appetiser properties,” said Mr. Srivastava.